The real-life Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Show
When vintage sheriff cars drive down Main Street Mount Airy, the drivers aren’t patrolling police officers; they're tour guides showing visitors around Andy Griffith’s hometown, which was the inspiration for Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show. Downtown is home to spots like The Andy Griffith Museum, the Old Jail and Floyd’s Barber Shop, as well as murals and statues of Andy Griffith and other local celebrities. For locals, living in Mount Airy really does feel like living in Mayberry. “We love the area,” says Jamie Johnston, Visitors Center and communications manager. “It's a great place to work and raise a family. Everyone's just so friendly and happy here. I think it's just Southern Hospitality.”
At a population of around 10,000 in 2023, the town has remained small despite being a tourist destination. But those who want to dwell in Mount Airy full-time will find a welcoming community no matter where they're coming from, according to Johnston. “In the two months I have worked here, I feel like we have gotten so many requests for relocation information,” she says. “And a lot of these folks are coming either from Florida or New England.”
You can stop by Wally's Service Station to take a glimpse into the past in Mount Airy.
You can see all things Mayberry in Mount Airy.
Mount Airy is home to the legendary Andy Griffith and you can stop and take a picture at the mural which showcases his life.
You can stop by to visit the birthplace of Andy Griffith and even stay overnight in Mount Airy.
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Snappy Lunch and the Surry Sonker Trail
“For this area, people just really love the southern comfort food,” Johnston says. Fans of The Andy Griffith Show will recognize the name Snappy Lunch, serving pork chop sandwiches. “They have other sandwiches, but that's the famous thing,” says Eleanor Atkins, visitor information specialist for the Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce & Mount Airy Visitors Center and resident for 52 years. The 100–year–old establishment is the only existing Mount Airy business mentioned on the show. Main Street has other shops and restaurants with names alluding to the show, like Opie’s Candy Store and Barney’s Cafe.
There are several antique stores and souvenir shops downtown. Mount Airy has a few stops on the Surry Sonker Trail, which highlights where the unique cobbler-like dessert can be found in Surry County. “A lot of people like the sweet potato, that's big,” Johnston says. “I like the peach, but there are many different kinds of sonker.” As part of North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley Wine Country, several Mount Airy vineyards are featured on the Surry County Wine Trail.
You can enjoy the famous pork chop sandwich at Snappy Lunch in downtown Mount Airy.
The Surry Sonker Trail in downtown Mount Airy is an awesome place to shop and get amazing sonker desserts.
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Mayberry Days hosted by the Surry Arts Council
Mayberry Days is a week-long celebration of all things Andy Griffith put on by the Surry Arts Council. The festival takes place over multiple locations downtown, including the Andy Griffith Playhouse and the Historic Earle Theater, which typically shows newly released movies. Festivities range from a parade and comedy shows to bingo games and an auction. “We also have the Autumn Leaves Festival,” Johnston says. “That's a three-day weekend festival downtown. There’s anywhere from probably 75,000 to 100,000 folks coming down for that. You really can't hardly walk, it's so big.” Bluegrass music fans flock to town for the Mount Airy Fiddlers Convention.
You can enjoy all things Andy Griffith at the museum in Mount Airy.
You can find artifacts from the Andy Griffith Show at the Andy Griffith Museum in Mount Airy.
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Downtown historic bungalows and new builds
Closer to downtown, bungalows built between 1900 and 1950 start at around $50,000 and can go as high as about $400,000. Newer bungalows constructed in 2024 hover around $260,000 to $300,000 in the same area. Ranch-style homes are found throughout Mount Airy, ranging in price from $135,000 to $600,000. Homes further from downtown may offer larger lots and more styles, including Split-levels and Colonial Revivals. This variety is reflected in the prices, from $175,000 to $950,000. “There are many people looking at housing,” Johnston says. “So you've got to be quick to it because the next thing you know, that house is already gone.”
You can find a wide range of home styles in Mount Airy.
You can find many Bungalow style homes within the city of Mount Airy.
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Entrepreneurship and science aviation courses at Mount Airy High
Mount Airy City Schools consists of two elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. It earns an A-minus on Niche. With the same grade, Mount Airy High School offers Career and Technology courses like entrepreneurship and science aviation. Some students may be zoned for A-minus-rated Surry County Schools. Millennium Charter Academy is a public-funded charter school, while White Plains Christian School is a private option. “There's so many different options for your kids to look at to fit whatever your family needs are,” Johnston says.
Mount Airy High School is a highly rated, public school located in Mount Airy.
The Millennium Charter Academy is rated the #6 best public high school in Surry County.
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Kayaking on the Ararat River
Cyclists have several loops to choose from on the Surry Scenic Bikeway. “There are huge opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and many different access points to get on the river as well,” Johnston says. Riverside Park has 7 miles of greenway trails, a playground, a skateboard park and access to the Ararat River. Golfers have a few options when it comes to country clubs in Mount Airy. Indoor fun can be found at the community center, skating rink or bowling alley.
Residents enjoy the skate park at Riverside Park in Mount Airy.
You can kayak down the river with many access points throughout Mount Airy.
Mount Airy residents love the green space and bike trails that run through the city.
Mount Airy residents enjoy playing pickleball at Riverside Park.
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Commuting on Highway 52
Major employers in the area are Northern Regional Hospital, Renfro Corporation and Pike Electric. The drive to Winston-Salem takes around 35 miles on U.S. Highway 52. "We do have quite a bit of folks that do commute to Winston-Salem working for Atrium Health or Novant,” Johnston says. Piedmont Triad International Airport has 16 nonstop flights and is about 57 miles or slightly over an hour from Mount Airy. The 100-mile trip to Charlotte will take about two hours on Interstate 77. There is no public transportation, so residents will likely need cars to navigate the area unless they live close to the walkable downtown. There is street parking and multiple municipal parking lots downtown.
Lower than average violent crime rate
According to data from the FBI, Mount Airy’s violent crime rate is consistently well below the state and national average, but its property crime rate tends to fluctuate. “Everywhere has crime, but we are on the lower side of it,” Johnston says. “So it's a very safe area.” Mount Airy experiences all four seasons, with warm summers and mild winters.
Written By
Joyelle Ronan
Photography Contributed By
Marc Smith
Video By
Daniel Willingham
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